In India, the festive season starts in September and goes on till the end of the year. It’s a time for joy, get-togethers and lots of shopping! From buying gifts for family and friends to grabbing great deals, the excitement of shopping is at its peak.
But with all the fun, it’s also important to stay safe online. With several deals and new websites, a few simple steps can help you shop securely. Listed below are some ways to stay safe when shopping online this festive season.
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Shop from reliable websites
Source: siccura.com
When shopping online, stick to websites you know and trust. Well-known shopping sites usually have better security, trusted sellers, and good customer support.
Additionally, check “https” in the URL, where the “s” stands for secure, meaning the site encrypts your data. Also, check for a padlock symbol in the address bar. This is another sign of a secure website. Staying with recognised platforms helps you avoid scams or poorly managed sites.
Check reviews before buying
Customer reviews can provide insight into the quality of a product or the reliability of a seller. Before you make any purchase, check the reviews. It can provide information about the product’s quality, delivery times and customer service.
Look for consistent feedback rather than isolated complaints or praises, as this gives a more balanced perspective. Verified buyer reviews are especially helpful as they come from real customers who’ve actually purchased the product.
Use virtual debit cards for making purchases
Source: bankalfalah.com
A virtual debit card is a smart option when making online payments. When you open a zero-balance digital savings account with many banks or payment platforms, you often get a virtual debit card.
This digital card comes with a unique card number, expiry date and CVV, just like a physical card, but it only exists online. Virtual cards add an extra layer of security to your transactions. This is because they’re not directly linked to your main bank account and can be temporarily disabled or deleted after use.
Avoid using public Wi-Fi connections for financial transactions
Public Wi-Fi networks, like those in cafes, malls or airports, are not secure for making online transactions. Hackers can easily intercept data on public networks. This puts your personal and financial information at risk.
If you need to shop online or complete a transaction, make sure you’re on a secure, private network – ideally, your home Wi-Fi. If you’re on the go, consider using your phone’s data network instead of public Wi-Fi.
Set a budget and stick to it
It’s easy to get carried away with online deals, especially during the festive season. Setting a budget before you start shopping can help you avoid overspending. Decide in advance how much you want to spend on gifts or other purchases and try to stick to that amount.
Many shopping apps allow you to set alerts or reminders for specific price limits. You can use these tools to stay within your budget.
Know the return and refund policies
Before you finish any purchase, take a moment to read the return and refund policies. Some items can only be returned within a short time, and some can’t be returned at all. Knowing this ahead of time can save you trouble later if the product isn’t what you expected.
Look for information on who covers the return shipping costs, the timeframe for returns and the process for getting refunds. This way, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re covered if something doesn’t go as planned.
Take time to evaluate deals
During the festive season, deals and discounts are everywhere – but not all of them are as good as they look. Real discounts are usually reasonable and close to normal market prices. If you see a huge discount on an expensive item, especially from a new website or unknown seller, it could be a warning sign for scams or fake products.
Take a minute to compare prices on other trusted sites to see the real market value. Being careful can help you avoid impulse buys and keep you from falling for fake deals, making sure what you buy is real and worth the money.
Summing up
Source: redfernent.com
As you get into the festive shopping season, keep these tips in mind to protect your wallet. If you’re using credit, like a personal loan, credit card or buy-now-pay-later option, watch your spending carefully. Credit can make it easy to buy more than you planned, which might lead to a big bill later. Try to stick to buying only what you can afford to pay back easily.
By staying aware and making smart choices, you’ll be able to enjoy the celebrations without any extra stress. Happy and safe shopping!
